Media stories on birth defects related to the Zika virus in Brazil made it a global concern, especially for many people who were planning on travelling to South America. Most people trooped into travel clinics to find out more about the virus and if it had a vaccine. Even though they may have gotten details about the virus, many were dismayed that there was no vaccine for zika.
It is estimated that more than one million people have been affected by the virus in Brazil, with over four thousand babies being born with a condition known as microcephaly where the brain fails to grow normally. This condition has been linked to Zika infection on pregnant mothers at the early stages of pregnancy.
The zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and have almost similar symptoms to Dengue fever. These include pain behind the eyes, pain in the joints, headaches and muscle pains amongst others. The symptoms usually take between two and seven days before manifestation and they are more severe than those of Dengue fever.
Though over 80% of the people who get the virus never fall sick, it is a great concern for pregnant mothers who are highly encouraged to stay away from areas with the Zika infection. If you have to travel to areas with the Zika infection when you are pregnant, especially during the early stages of the pregnancy, then it is imperative to visit a travel clinic and get solid advice on how to avoid mosquito bites. But if you are not pregnant, then you have nothing to worry about, since the virus does not affect future pregnancies.
But while you worry about the Zika virus when travelling to South America, you should also think about getting vaccines for other preventable diseases you may get exposed to when you travel. A good idea would be to go to your travel clinic and share your itinerary with the travel doctor so that you may get the right recommendation.